Veggies & Chairs-More Lettuce Than We Can Eat, Tomatoes Coming Soon & Pop Builds the Chairs

Observations~

Gramma is thinking again: So few people have time to invest in other people.
 We are so often just pausing - as we hurry on to the next project or commitment.

I Just Had A Funny Thought

Imagine that! 
Did you ever wonder why BIOGRAPHIES are written AFTER people die?
I always thought it was because their entire life story wasn't available until they die.

mmmm  ..on second thought I am thinking it just may be BECAUSE no one is interested until they are gone.

Something to think about....sadly :^(

What Does Persnickety Really Mean?

[ adj) pernickety, persnickety ~ characterized by excessive precision and attention to trivial details "a persnickety job"; "a persnickety school teacher" ]

I'm just wondering if I qualify as a "persnickety" Gramma? Would the Adjective "particular" be more apt?

Anyhoooo....while we were out of town for a rare '2 day' treat attending a wedding I was as always analyzing myself again.

Yes I am a bit particular about a few things.  When staying in a hotel I have come to have a  preferrence for very good linens ..that do not look as though they came from the local $ store and were left in the dryer, added to my bed without folding  or smoothing snugly and wrinkle free when making the bed.  Just one of those things!

And I can adjust to the "instant" type breakfast they call "Continnental."

I can overlook coffee that isn't really perked but I simply can't abide the powdered coffee creamer that leaves a greasy film in my mouth.  And no the whole milk in the pitcher for cereal just won't make the difference. I need half and half for my coffee.

 I try to be a good sport about it..while I sit politely and "don't drink" my cup of black coffee.  I try not to be a nuisance to my husband and tell him not to worry with running down the street to a restaurant for my cream fix.  But the second morning when the hotel staff had not restocked the cream rack...I gave in and allowed myself to be a nuisance.

Did I mention that I absolutely detest drinking a hot/warm drink from a STYROFOAM CUP? [ solution: pack a fav mug from home]

Before you judge too harshly...YOU might have a aversion to styrofoam too if you carried with you  vivid  recall of turning up a cup of coffee [while driving] and feeling something "crawly" in your mouth from the bottom of the cup! Dontcha' think? That's my excuse!

How about Orange Juice at breakfast?  Love it? Yes/No

I like O.J. but with a  1/2 & 1/2 mix..orange juice with ginger ale.  Cold. :^D

Homemade or homemade-like Biscuits? Of course I like good biscuits.  But not too thick and fat! Since Ted doesn't care for the thin/tea biscuits we have the regular fat ones and I scoop out the excess 'inside' of the biscuit top & bottom~

Perfectly logical solution to me.

I suppose early on my husband may have been annoyed or perplexed with these peculiarities...though he never said.  Over time I think he just understands that 'we like what we like."  He doesn't complain.

The most recent addition to the "strange things about Gramma" list is something missing on our new vehicle.  We made the choice to trade in my car [Honda Odysse] and make our second automobile a truck with extended cab..  I really like it..rides as comfortably as a large car and  it will meet our needs quite well.

There's only one thing that really bugs me everytime I start to get in on the passenger side.  It doesn't have keyless entry.  I have to wait on my side when Ted's driving, for him to unlock me from the driver's side.  Anyone watching is likely to think...mmmm rude husband! 

Of course that's because I have been spoiled having a husband who usually opens the car door for me...yes, he's a gentleman in so many ways.

I think it amuses him that this bothers me.  I'll get over it. :^)

I know that he is not rude no matter what anyone observing may think.

I'm sure there are more weird things about Gramma that qualify for this list..we'll update later as I become more and more 'persnickety" or "particular" with time.

"My Girls"

That's how I always refer to the elite group of precious jewels I taught in Texas [ sunday School Bible Study ] They were all high school students-many sold out to walking the walk with the Lord we serve- how they blessed and enriched my life. 

It's been about 7 yrs now and I still readily reach for 'our stories and experiences"  shared during those years.  As I have reconnected with them on facebook-what an incredible joy to hear from them and discern from their posts shared and photos  the lives they are leading now as young wives, professionals and Mommies. 

Yes Heather { C} some things do just leave one speechless..like today and your Sophie's day of birth {BIRTHDAY}  some of these moments in our lives when all I can say is:  "I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE..of Jesus the Nazarene"

God Bless and protect you and Kevin and Sophie...today and all days.

Much Love,

Ms. Jonell :^))

BFF-Yes Grammas Have Best Friends Too~

Shirley.
So many things in the Brundidge chapter of life remind me of my Friend Shirley in southeast Texas. 
Shirley and I could hardly be more different.  Shirley's tall.  I'm Short. I was always reminded of that difference when we moved furniture together in the Antique Shop.

Shirley is an Artist in so many ways.  I am an Artist Wannabee. She just allowed me to tag along and learn from her like the day she pulled out my old chifferobe [what a find] and said "You get on that side and I'll get on the other.  We are going to paint this piece of furniture."  I did. We did. See photo on this page.

Shirley speaks in a direct, confident, bold way and I "beat around the bush" to get my message out there.
Shirley has a style..her own, doesn't matter if you like it or not. Me?  I'm predictable/is that a style?  Anyway, one can always predict that I'll likely be wearing black, white or red. I don't think of myself as having a style.

Shirley is a very tolerant person.  I try. I also learn from her attitude.

If shirley and I showed up at a gathering you would never guess we were buddies or had anything in common. yet, I count her as my dearest friend in all the world. I am not quite sure why she has me on her "friends forever" list.

The primary thing that binds us is our faith in Jesus Christ.  This overshadows all the differences. This is our bond and the history of being there for each other.  We each allow the other "To Be"...

Things all around me remind me of my BFF.  The exquisite roses in bloom remind me of Shirl.
 The weird things I do decorating remind me of Shirl. Ted's compost pile reminds me of her.

 I can't go antiquing or browing the woods or roadsides without thinking of my BFF Shirley.

When I try a new and totally strange food, I'm reminded of her. 

When I think of going to the Dallas Market to shop for the store I remember Shirley.  When someone says "Yoo Hoo" I definitely remember Shirley as she called to the officer in the Dallas Market shopping complex "Yoo Hoo Mr. Policeman, Can You Help Us?"

That's my best friend Shirley. Grammas have best friends too!

Moving Slow-But Not for Long!

Sometimes we Grammas wake up moving slow early in the morning.  That's just life!

Amazing what an hour or so, a perfect cup of coffee [ or hot tea ] with my favorite creamer and no one rushing me can do!

My first chore today was to get those little lettuce plants thinned out and transplanted all over the raised bed, making sure to turn the sprinkler on and soak it all well so it won't be assaulted by the hot sun as the day heats up. Actually I'm, thinking there may be enough lettuce to use a second raised bed.  What a treat to be able to go out in the back yard for FRESH lettuce [ NO ICEBERG ]  when we need it! That reminds me of my Dearest Friend Shirley in southeast Texas with her wonderful raised beds providing her with fresh produce for the salad plate! 

So many things remind me of Shirley. [ Another post later]

While the sprinkler does the job I can explore and discover: Yes, all the Curly Willows are leafed out & waving in the breeze.  I see 4 O'Clocks trying to come out under my kitchen window.  Thank you to our Brundidge Friend Robert for sharing those when he heard I was saving a spot there just for four o'clocks!
Maybe, just maybe the Bachelor Buttons are beginning to peek thru' the soil-an entire bed for them; I know they never show up before May no matter how impatient I get.

The  Bridal wreath is still just PERFECTION..wish we had a wedding to do!  Those incredible Irises from Jackson, Alabama [Ted's sister Betty] are still hanging on. Amazing! And I am so looking forward to the dark blue SALVIA beginning to fill the two beds set aside for them to shine...looks promising.

It's a wonderful , beautiful world outside!

Looking Back-Again!

What made the difference in your life, relationship, family?
I have been asked that several times.  Some things are not easily visible until we are Looking Back.

We are not perfect mates or parents,period.

However,  as we look back over more than 50 years there are specific things that did  [ & continue to ] make a real difference.

Balance-especially in our interests & how we spent/spend our time. example: Ted enjoys sports and hunting but it has never consumed huge blocks of his time or come first before any family interest either time spent or money used for.

Timing-example: There's a way and a time to discuss major problems-not always right now because I feel like it. Choose your time.

Self Control- example: Everyone has moments of frustration & discouragement-how that is expressed  is most important. Often times the old addage "sleep on it" is very useful. Tomorrow it may not seem like such a huge issue.

Grace- God's

Mercy-God's

Submission [ first to God then to one another ] Another definition would be  a "you go first" attitude.

[to be developed as I am enlightened :^) I have to get my thoughts down when I begin to work on something..it usually takes numerous edits before I am satisfied that the post is developed as I intend for it to be..later ]

A New Word

TIMEWORN-
Perhaps it's not a "new" word but it's not a word I can recall using.
While Ted and I were having Sunday Dinner [ lunch?] that I didn't have to cook, we were talking and as I tried to find the right word to describe a very dated shopping center Marquee the word/phrase "timeworn" came to me.

I immediately thought: "Hey that could describe ME!"
Not to worry, I didn't dissolve into tears..in fact I almost LOL as the thought came to me.  Maybe instead of calling myself an old, aging or elderly [noooooooooo] lady, I am just timeworn or "worn by time."

Come on, laugh with me!
Definition: "Showing the effects of long use or wear"

Seventeen

Our Grand..the oldest girl, is now "Seventeen" and it just ocurred to me:  "When I was just a few months past my  17th birthday [ in 1958 ] Ted and I were planning to be married the next year after my high school graduation.

Then and Now- mmm what's the difference? Seriously!

Copied Thoughts to Ponder, Use or Amuse

Speaking of using Pretty Things like silver teaspoons: [ a helpful hint included for free ]

Some are reluctant to use silver teaspoons because they think they are too much work to maintain. Silver tarnishes when exposed to air and over time silver turns from silver to gray and black. Polishing with silver polish does not take much time, but an even more simple technique is to place silver teaspoons in a sink of warm, soapy water. Add a foot or two of aluminum foil, all crumpled up, and let the silver soak for a few hours. Then wash and dry as usual. The tarnish should wipe right off!

Did you know that? Nor did I! And didja know...if u can't find silver polish or find its empty..and just happen to have  extra tubes of toothpaste on hand..that works too! ONLY THE REGULAR PASTE.
Please visit one of my favorite blog sites and enjoy the entire post. [ http://gracioushospitality.blogspot.com/  ]

What Grammas Live For-

 

[Uncle Steve with 6 of our 8 Grands. L-R: Zack,  Dylan, Samantha, Reagan/back right: Patrick and Turner.  Only Ryan and Ethan were missing.]

..the GRANDS coming! This is really a big deal when you haven't seen them for such a long time.

Everyone says one should not do all the  deep cleaning before the kids come for a visit..just wait until they leave then you need to clean for sure.  I know that's practical but it's so hard for me to do.  I won't get it all done but you can be sure I will be IN THERE TRYING until maybe mid night the day before they arrive! Most of my time is spent in the Kitchen and bathrooms..  places that  make the biggest difference. If I would just NOT do things like  checking/dusting window sills and baseboards I could save myself a lot of work...once you start and find those things only a white glove test  would expose..you just can't walk away and not do it! [ If YOU can, then good for you]

Lord Jesus help us to make the most of this time. It's precious.

Three years feels like forever.

Spring What?????

Yes, I know it's January!
It never fails. We barely get into the month of January when I start thinking about SPRING CLEANING.
I know - there must be a weak link in my DNA,right?
Is that a Gramma thing?
No, I think it's just a Jonell thing.
Spring Cleaning indeed :^(

Long Ago at My Grandma Mobley's House

She Never left anything undone over night in her kitchen. She had to fill dishpans and heat water on the stove to wash dishes. When she left the kitchen every dish,pot and pan was washed dried and put away and her dishpans clean, dried and turned upside down.

She swept floors every day. That meant inside bedrooms, outside porches,everything!

I never remember her bed 'unmade'. It was always topped off with her pillows standing up and the pillow cases were always starched, ironed and showed off the colorful embroidered hand work on the ends. It was often flowers, a lady w basket of flowers, branches w little birds-Today I only buy all cotton white pillow cases with handwork like this for my extra bedrooms.

Grandma usually wore an 'everyday dress' more than one day but every day she put on a fresh  Apron..the kind that goes over the neck and it always had a small pocket -think that was for the little can of snuff. Her aprons were often plain white but she did have flowered patterned fabric.  Some were considered her "good aprons".

Any leftovers was always placed in the pie safe to be eaten as needed-what we would call snacks in between meals.  There was always something there.

Grandma not only swept the entire house every day..she regularly swept the yard front, sides and back with what was called "yard brooms" which they made from small brush and tied the handles with strips of fabric scraps.

Those simple floors especially in the kitchen and dining room were scrubbed with hot soapy water and a corn shuck thing..what was it called? I can picture it and I could even design one for you..can't remember exactly what they called it. HELP! [time for a cousin call ]

2010- Coming~Ready or Not!

Mixing the Old With the New

A happy  mix of 'relics' from the past century with the new, shiny and modern doesn't just happen.  First you have to love the history, craftsmanship  and unique beauty.  Then you have to trust your own eye and instinct to recognize when it works together and when it's just not quite right.

 Know your boundaries.  What is important to you? Is it monetary value, color, shape or do you collect  things to impress others?  The table & chairs  shown here: The table is a primitive farm table from an estate sale where I paid a big $10. for it.  The chairs were found new costing quite a few ten dollar bills. The $10, table will always be  a treasure.

 My standard has nothing to do with cost, appraised value or popularity with other collectors.  The test question for me is:  "Do I love this?"

Then you go with it no matter what people around you think. It's you-Enjoy!

Sometimes you must make allowance for someone else's taste or preference  especially if there's a husband in the same house.  For me that means I made the choice to [slightly] downsize and go for less clutter in this particular house as I consider Ted's likes and dislikes.  The attic gets used more and I have to remind myself to check the attic regularly to see what I might like to change out with something I've had in use or on display for a while. 

During Christmastime this year that meant bringing down some wonderful old jars to use about the house filled with nuts and candies that remind me of old fashioned Christmases.

Remember the ORANGE SLICES...Grandma Mobley usually had those at Christmas. I fill old  jars with those and gumdrops and Hersheys kisses & peppermint stick or candy canes. 

I also try to display only old things that are actually usable.  My old Toaster is the quality of the high end Kitchen appliances most women consider extravagant. Most people don't even notice it's old as many of them are [ 1930's or 40's] If I had the counter space I would be using my equally old WAFFLE IRON.  To satisfy that collector in me I managed to get shelves built over windows in the breakfast room-that's where my collection of COFFEE POTS goes. It's out of our way but satifies that need for me. There are wonderful built in cabinets in this house [Built 1930's] just right for showing most of my dishes & pottery.



I like so many old or primitive things that the updated light fixtures [ DR & LR] along with the solid red upholstered sofa, Black floral love seat and tasteful stripe chair pull it all together in a way that is very pleasing. Those new pieces cause your eye to forget there is so much of the distant past preserved and used in those rooms. It doesn't shout "Primitive".


Let's pause with Decorating 101..to be continued I am sure!

mmmmm....You Did That???

Why does it surprise our younger friends or family members when we do incredible or challenging things or display something that might be remotely considered talented or impressive?

Do they think we  left our real selves, our brain or creative parts  to be donated at the local Good Will store?

And if so, wouldn't you think some of them might begin to worry each time they themselves drive by that good will location?

A Fresh Start

I do think it's time to start moving furniture and hanging new pictures..meaning a new look for my blog.  This is not "Me"..gotta start shopping for a fresh new look.

What's a Gramma Want for Christmas?

First I just love Christmas time,period.

Next, I love being with people I love or like and people who love us!

Blue lights in the windows. In Texas Ted constructed a very large star outline for me..wrapped it in blue lights and set it atop "the old barn"..doesn't that say Bethlehem?!!

Candles, Candles and more candlelight..all over the house,even on the deck and front porch. Santa can always give me more CANDLES!

Jingle Bells!!!!!!!! Yes, I love the jingle jangle sound of bells that sound like sleigh bells in the distance.

Hot Tea, Spiced Tea, Hot Chocolate and Wassail!

Christmas Music..O Holy Night, Silent Night,

Fruitcake..yes I do like fruit cake. to be specific I like Claxton fruit cake,made in Georgia.  It's heavy on fruit and nuts and not much cake.  A little goes a long way. Just pour a small cup of hot wassail or black coffee,that's all you need.

I DO NOT need big expensive gifts for Christmas, small, inexpensive, thoughtful things are my kind of gifts. One of my favorite gifts during the past 25 years was a package of a dozen yellow legal pads from a daughter in law.  That gift said; "I notice" and "I remember."  She noticed that I always used those for making study notes.

It's hard to think of grand, extravagant gifts..after all Christmas takes note of the greatest gift of all The Saviour, Christ our Lord.  Every thing else is small by comparison.

So, if a loved one wants to really "make my Christmas"..just come to see me, with bells on and spend time sharing all the homemade goodies , visiting with candle light and enjoying the Christmas trees and outdoor Christmas lights.

And let's share Christmas memories with Carols in the background  until it's time to go to church for a quiet sweet joyous candlelight service.

That's Christmastime! Time spent Together, Remembering important things, Sharing Small things that matter and being there for no other reason than that you want to be with each other..and no one is in a hurry to leave!

Then when everyone has left or gone to bed I so love to sit in the living room with my pretty warm socks on, a pretty tea cup in hand with warm wassail or a wonderful hand thrown pottery mug filled with hot chocolate or hot tea..just hugging the cup and soaking in the incredible beauty of the clear white lights on the Christmas tree, all decorated in white and gold/silver with clear glass ornaments that reflect the light. I never tire of this setting. It's better than unwrapping  Christmas gifts. The quiet and the beauty is pure..gifts are not always-they sometimes get complicated & mixed in with less than pure motives or intent. Just keep it simple.

Another  Christmastime [ or anytime] thing that gives me great pleasure is seeing families together at church.  On  days like these we see older couples with their grown up children and Grands who are visiting all fill a pew or two and everyone knows that's one happy Mom & Dad or Grandparents -such a simple thing~having your family sitting in worship service with you. ..Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service, a Big Anniversary or milestone Birthday.

post script:
What does a Gramma want for Christmas & every other day of the year?  - to be needed, valued, visible. remembered, noticed, considered.

Giving Thanks at Gramma's & Pop's-Brundidge,Alabama

Just hitting the high spots, the high lights of the day:
It's always a special moment when they start arriving-ah, the greetings, the hugs are so sweet.  Yes, I know we only saw them 3 months ago but it seems much longer.

Each gathering is priceless-a treasured time.

Then when the next arrivals are announced we do it all over again..the greetings, the hugs and the nine year old grandson plays "dodge the hugging  grown ups."

I had hoped to get a [half of us] family picture on the front steps before dark but we missed that-

Everyone has their specialties I guess.  One daughter in law couldn't show up without her sweet potato casserole and I had to call in the other daughter in law just before time to eat to make the gravy-oops who discarded the pan drippings from the ham and turkey??? Not to worry ~ an expert gravy maker and a spare can of chicken broth saved the day there-The sister Schubert Rolls went into the oven and several of us wondered aloud if our 11 yr. old Samantha in the far north-Iowa, had her favorite SS rolls for her ROLL DAY!

No picture, but in my mind's eye it's there-of the crowd circled, holding hands and Pop whom we all expected to do the honors asked: "Reagan, since you are the youngest, would you say 'grace' for us?"  With a nine year old surrounded by all big people you never know how he will react.
Reagan came through beautifully. As we bowed he began "Dear Jesus" and continued sincerely and w confidence to express thanks for and ask protection for his Special Forces cousin Don, the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I think he covered the food and all our families. 
It was a moment to remember! Thank You Jesus.

[to be continued..gotta go find my christmastime wreath for the front door]